In this episode of Adoptees Crossing Lines, Zaira is joined by Ashley Albert—organizer, survivor, and founder of Stolen Children’s Month. Ashley shares her journey from foster care and incarceration to becoming the first parent in Washington state to legally enforce and modify an open adoption agreement. Together, they speak truth to power about the family policing system, the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA), and the necessity of abolition. This conversation is about legacy, resistance, and the spiritual practice of staying alive and dangerous in the face of erasure.In this episode, we cover:(00:22) Ashley’s story of survival and her legal breakthrough in Washington State.(06:08) What it really takes to fight for your children—and what the system demands.(09:50) Why Ashley created Stolen Children’s Month and what it means to bear witness.(21:20) The truth about ASFA, adoption incentives, and systemic erasure.(34:30) Spiritual resistance, healing justice, and caring for ourselves as abolitionists.(45:17) Messages for survivors, caregivers, and anyone who's ever felt broken by the system.Connect with Ashley Albert & Stolen Children’s Month: Instagram: @stolenchildrensmonth Website: stolenchildrensmonth.comWork With Me: Email adopteescrossinglines@gmail.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.Editing by J. Way (AV Editor) Special thanks to J. Way for editing this podcast. To collaborate with her, email jwayedits@gmail.com.
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In this episode of Adoptees Crossing Lines, Zaira is joined by Ashley Albert—organizer, survivor, and founder of Stolen Children’s Month. Ashley shares her journey from foster care and incarceration to becoming the first parent in Washington state to legally enforce and modify an open adoption agreement. Together, they speak truth to power about the family policing system, the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA), and the necessity of abolition. This conversation is about legacy, resistance, and the spiritual practice of staying alive and dangerous in the face of erasure.In this episode, we cover:(00:22) Ashley’s story of survival and her legal breakthrough in Washington State.(06:08) What it really takes to fight for your children—and what the system demands.(09:50) Why Ashley created Stolen Children’s Month and what it means to bear witness.(21:20) The truth about ASFA, adoption incentives, and systemic erasure.(34:30) Spiritual resistance, healing justice, and caring for ourselves as abolitionists.(45:17) Messages for survivors, caregivers, and anyone who's ever felt broken by the system.Connect with Ashley Albert & Stolen Children’s Month: Instagram: @stolenchildrensmonth Website: stolenchildrensmonth.comWork With Me: Email adopteescrossinglines@gmail.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.Editing by J. Way (AV Editor) Special thanks to J. Way for editing this podcast. To collaborate with her, email jwayedits@gmail.com.
Adopted Twice: Kinship, Control, and the Cost of Silence
Adoptees Crossing Lines
52 minutes
6 months ago
Adopted Twice: Kinship, Control, and the Cost of Silence
In this episode of Adoptees Crossing Lines, Zaira sits down with Kat Shahinian-Buffa to explore the layers of secrecy, grief, and reclamation embedded in kinship adoption. From being adopted the day she was born to uncovering that her sister is also her cousin through a DNA test, Kat walks us through her journey of survival, family deception, and international discovery. Together, they dig into the ways adoption alters identity, why even kinship adoption can be deeply harmful, and what it means to raise yourself.In this episode, we cover:(00:20) Kat’s adoption story, growing up with five siblings, and being raised by her biological uncle’s wife.(06:54) Realizing the burden of being “chosen,” perfectionism, and being othered in her adoptive family.(17:37) How DNA tests blew open family secrets—including discovering her sister is also her cousin.(27:15) Why even kinship adoption isn’t inherently safer or healthier—and how it distorts medical history and relationships.(42:10) The long road to healing, mental health support, and raising yourself.Call To Action: Subscribe to Adoptees Crossing Lines wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on social media and Substack for more content and community:Website: adopteescrossinglines.comInstagram: @adopteescrossinglinesBlueSky: adopteecrossing.bsky.socialTikTok: @adopteescrossinglines_Substack: Adoptees Crossing Lines SubstackConnect with Kat Shahinian-Buffa: Instagram: @kadasarus BlueSky: @kadasaurus.bsky.socialWork With Me: Email adopteescrossinglines@gmail.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.Editing by J. Way (AV Editor) Special thanks to J. Way for editing this podcast. To collaborate with her, email jwayedits@gmail.com.
Adoptees Crossing Lines
In this episode of Adoptees Crossing Lines, Zaira is joined by Ashley Albert—organizer, survivor, and founder of Stolen Children’s Month. Ashley shares her journey from foster care and incarceration to becoming the first parent in Washington state to legally enforce and modify an open adoption agreement. Together, they speak truth to power about the family policing system, the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA), and the necessity of abolition. This conversation is about legacy, resistance, and the spiritual practice of staying alive and dangerous in the face of erasure.In this episode, we cover:(00:22) Ashley’s story of survival and her legal breakthrough in Washington State.(06:08) What it really takes to fight for your children—and what the system demands.(09:50) Why Ashley created Stolen Children’s Month and what it means to bear witness.(21:20) The truth about ASFA, adoption incentives, and systemic erasure.(34:30) Spiritual resistance, healing justice, and caring for ourselves as abolitionists.(45:17) Messages for survivors, caregivers, and anyone who's ever felt broken by the system.Connect with Ashley Albert & Stolen Children’s Month: Instagram: @stolenchildrensmonth Website: stolenchildrensmonth.comWork With Me: Email adopteescrossinglines@gmail.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.Editing by J. Way (AV Editor) Special thanks to J. Way for editing this podcast. To collaborate with her, email jwayedits@gmail.com.
